TTMA Fetal Dopplers

[Deleted]

Considering buying one... Questions for the masses:

Are you planning on buying one?

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy?

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before?

Do they actually work?

What brand would you recommend?

Any other tips/thoughts?

[sunshineshades]

I know many pgal moms use them. I do not plan to. My friend has one I could use if I want. My big fear though is not being able to find it myself and having a panic attack and calling my doctor to get him to check. So I think I likely will not borrow it until it's super easy to find lo, or until I also feel movement for reassurance, if at all. I know they can create a lot of reassurance for people, but I know myself and know I'd become obsessive.

[awkwardturtle]

*possible trigger*


I'm choosing not to get one. I'm sure I could figure it out, but my concerns are:

A) hearing my heartbeat instead of the baby's and thinking its ok, when it's not
B) not finding the baby's heartbeat and freaking out when in fact, things may or may not be alright

If at a later date, I am deemed high risk or if the baby is not moving tons and I would like to try for some added peace of mind, maybe I'll reconsider.

[peachesncream]

Are you planning on buying one? Have one.

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy? Yes I have one, no I haven't dug it out yet.

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before? Yes.

Do they actually work? Yes.

What brand would you recommend? The Sonoline is sort of the standard.

Any other tips/thoughts? I found baby's heartbeat consistently last time starting at 12 weeks last time. I also had an anterior placenta which usually delays when you are able to hear it on the doppler. I never had a time when I couldn't find it and it was very easy to distinguish my heartbeat from baby's. I just am not as paranoid this time as I was last time. I am not sure if I will ever dig it out.

[arbe]

I have been thinking about it but I think it may make me crazy.

[blackbird]

I'm getting one. PGAL brain is tough stuff, and my Dr's office is an 1.5 hrs away so I can't just pop in for a doppler check for reassurance.

[Deleted]

Aug 6, 2015 14:13:43 GMT -5 blackbird said:

I'm getting one. PGAL brain is tough stuff, and my Dr's office is an 1.5 hrs away so I can't just pop in for a doppler check for reassurance.

Are you going with the Sonoline B? I can't seem to find it sold by a reputable seller online at all...

[blackbird]

Aug 6, 2015 14:14:49 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Aug 6, 2015 14:13:43 GMT -5 blackbird said:

I'm getting one. PGAL brain is tough stuff, and my Dr's office is an 1.5 hrs away so I can't just pop in for a doppler check for reassurance.

Are you going with the Sonoline B? I can't seem to find it sold by a reputable seller online at all...

I haven't hardcore checked around yet, but this is the one most of the ladies on CAR have/use.

[jewel441]

I am absolutely not getting one. I actually felt quite strongly about this when I found out this was a thing, which surprised me. I just think I would drive myself insane. Definitely understand the appeal though, just not for me.

[calgal]

I used one last time. I had anterior placenta and rarely felt any movement even though I knew she was moving in there. Once I got the hang of the Doppler it helped me feel more connected to her.

[peachesncream]

Aug 6, 2015 14:14:49 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Aug 6, 2015 14:13:43 GMT -5 blackbird said:

I'm getting one. PGAL brain is tough stuff, and my Dr's office is an 1.5 hrs away so I can't just pop in for a doppler check for reassurance.

Are you going with the Sonoline B? I can't seem to find it sold by a reputable seller online at all...

I bought mine on EBay from this seller: www.ebay.com/itm/Sonoline-B-Fetal-Heart-Doppler-Backlight-LCD-FDA-3Mhz-USA-Seller-/221283271740?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

[Deleted]

Aug 6, 2015 14:23:43 GMT -5 peachesncream said:

Aug 6, 2015 14:14:49 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Are you going with the Sonoline B? I can't seem to find it sold by a reputable seller online at all...

I bought mine on EBay from this seller: www.ebay.com/itm/Sonoline-B-Fetal-Heart-Doppler-Backlight-LCD-FDA-3Mhz-USA-Seller-/221283271740?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

Thanks! Bought!

[paloslee]

I had to google this because I didnt know what it was. Again, I was only 16yrs old when I was pregnant with my first. So I dont think they existed back then? I dont think I will buy one because my anxiety right now is driving nutty, this will just cause more craziness.

edit: spelling

[cinnamonsmiles]

Definitely not, and warning, the reason is definitely a UO.
I'm not trying to start anything here, just personally don't like them.


After DH had scar tissue in his foot obliterated by ultrasound waves, I'm very hesitant to use u/s in any form any more than absolutely necessary. Also, when looking into the issue for more information, I found this link from the FDA Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Images, Heartbeat Monitors. The thing that stood out the most to me was the following:
"Furthermore, the number of sessions or the length of a session in scanning a fetus is uncontrolled, and that increases the potential for harm to the fetus and eventually the mother."

So to summarize, no, because I'm not absolutely sure of the safety to the baby.

[mom2boxers]

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy? I have one. It's too early in this pregnancy to use yet.

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before? Yes

Do they actually work? - Yes

What brand would you recommend? - Sonoline B - I bought mine from a place that had free shipping.

Any other tips/thoughts? Watch You Tube videos to see where to look and what different sounds you'll encounter at different points in your pregnancy. You can use Aloe Vera gel if you run out of the stuff that they send with the doppler. I recommend the clear vs. the green.


ETA: I used mine a few times until I could feel the baby move/kick on my own around 24 weeks. Definitely did not use it every day and only for a few minutes at a time to find the heartbeat. So no crazy hours long sessions.

[Deleted]

Aug 6, 2015 15:28:33 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

Definitely not, and warning, the reason is definitely a UO.
I'm not trying to start anything here, just personally don't like them.


After DH had scar tissue in his foot obliterated by ultrasound waves, I'm very hesitant to use u/s in any form any more than absolutely necessary. Also, when looking into the issue for more information, I found this link from the FDA Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Images, Heartbeat Monitors. The thing that stood out the most to me was the following:
"Furthermore, the number of sessions or the length of a session in scanning a fetus is uncontrolled, and that increases the potential for harm to the fetus and eventually the mother."

So to summarize, no, because I'm not absolutely sure of the safety to the baby.

Wow. I wasn't aware of any of this - thanks for the info. I'm going to look into this more, now.

[daydreamsam]

Aug 6, 2015 15:28:33 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

Definitely not, and warning, the reason is definitely a UO.
I'm not trying to start anything here, just personally don't like them.


After DH had scar tissue in his foot obliterated by ultrasound waves, I'm very hesitant to use u/s in any form any more than absolutely necessary. Also, when looking into the issue for more information, I found this link from the FDA Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Images, Heartbeat Monitors. The thing that stood out the most to me was the following:
"Furthermore, the number of sessions or the length of a session in scanning a fetus is uncontrolled, and that increases the potential for harm to the fetus and eventually the mother."

So to summarize, no, because I'm not absolutely sure of the safety to the baby.

I was totally going to buy one because IF brain is hard but after reading this, I'm going to check with my doctor before I get one cause if I have it, I'll use the damn thing erry day.

[miggg]

**Trigger warning - friend's loss mentioned**



Though I completely understand the desire to hear the heartbeat more frequently, I am not getting one. A friend of mine was worried about her pregnancy but did not go in to get checked right away because she could hear the heartbeat on her Doppler. She did end up losing the baby and the possibility that something could have been done if she had gone in earlier was heartbreaking.

[sctiger]

Are you planning on buying one? Already have one

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy? I have one from last time. It's too early to use it this time. I won't try until maybe 11 weeks.

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before? Yes

Do they actually work? Yes.

What brand would you recommend? Sonoline B from fetaldoppler. Net

Any other tips/thoughts? It was great for PGAL brain. I mostly used it from 12 weeks to about 20 weeks, or when I felt consistent movement. I only checked a couple times a week or when I was having a particularly anxious day.

[MadApple]

Are you planning on buying one? Already have one.

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy? Yes and no.

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before? Yes, with my second pregnancy.

Do they actually work? Yes.

What brand would you recommend? I have a Sonoline B. It's the only one I've used, but it works well and is easy to use.

Any other tips/thoughts? Like others have said, watch some YouTube videos so you know what you are listening for. Once you know what the baby's heart beat sounds like, it's easy to distinguish from other sounds. It will be faster than your heart beat (and the other body sounds you'll pick up), and it sounds like a chugging train. Early on, the baby will be pretty low, maybe try only an inch or two above your pubic bone. I've used aloe vera gel instead of ultrasound gel and it works great. I second the tip to get the clear.

I had an anterior placenta, but was able to pick up DD's heart beat pretty early the first time - 9w5d. It took a while to find it again. At around 12 weeks, I could find it every time I tried and pretty quickly. DD liked to hang out in the same spot.

I have read the FDA concerns about medically unnecessary ultrasounds and fetal doppler use, and I'm not sure where I stand. I read it before I bought my doppler, but my PGAL brain made me get it anyway. I made sure to limit use of it and kept it to only a few minutes at a time. If I couldn't find her heart beat quickly, I gave up and tried again the next week (or whenever). About halfway through my pregnancy, I started getting extra ultrasounds to check on some abnormalities. I stopped using the doppler since I was already getting extra exposure and glimpses into how she was doing. I'm not sure what I'll do this time.

[blackbird]

Aug 6, 2015 16:05:46 GMT -5 miggg said:

**Trigger warning - friend's loss mentioned**



Though I completely understand the desire to hear the heartbeat more frequently, I am not getting one. A friend of mine was worried about her pregnancy but did not go in to get checked right away because she could hear the heartbeat on her Doppler. She did end up losing the baby and the possibility that something could have been done if she had gone in earlier was heartbreaking.

I have a big problem with this. It's a far stretch to correlate all of those together. A) if you have concerns about your body/pg, you should speak to your Dr regardless. And B) to put it out there in a way to say that her mc was in anyway her fault is not right. Loss moms feel enough guilt on our own without other people placing blame of us, and 95% of the time NO ONE is to blame!

Loss is heartbreaking.period.

[FunniBunni]

I'm not buying one. I've never had one, and that one time the doc found no HB I was a mess until the u/s showed all was well. I'd rather not have it than stress myself out with it.

[Deleted]

I don't have one and won't get one. I would drive myself crazy!

[miggg]

Aug 6, 2015 17:19:09 GMT -5 blackbird said:

Aug 6, 2015 16:05:46 GMT -5 miggg said:

**Trigger warning - friend's loss mentioned**



Though I completely understand the desire to hear the heartbeat more frequently, I am not getting one. A friend of mine was worried about her pregnancy but did not go in to get checked right away because she could hear the heartbeat on her Doppler. She did end up losing the baby and the possibility that something could have been done if she had gone in earlier was heartbreaking.

I have a big problem with this. It's a far stretch to correlate all of those together. A) if you have concerns about your body/pg, you should speak to your Dr regardless. And B) to put it out there in a way to say that her mc was in anyway her fault is not right. Loss moms feel enough guilt on our own without other people placing blame of us, and 95% of the time NO ONE is to blame!

Loss is heartbreaking.period.

I sincerely apologize that it came across as blaming her. It was absolutely not her fault and I 100% agree that all losses are heartbreaking. She cautioned me about getting one for this reason so I just wanted to pass that on in the tiny chance that it could help anyone else. But you are right, you should always speak to your dr/mw if you have concerns, Doppler or not.

[Missy0483]

I have the Sonoline B one. I checked *maybe* once a week for a minute or 2 starting at 10 weeks through around 17ish weeks when I was sure I was feeling the baby move. At that point I knew he/she was fine if I felt movement.

[noodles84]

Aug 6, 2015 13:34:28 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Are you planning on buying one? Already have one

Do you already have one? Have you used it this pregnancy? Not yet

If you're a btdt Mom, have you used one before? I have 

Do they actually work? Mine always worked great even with an anterior placenta

What brand would you recommend? I think mine is Sonoline.

Any other tips/thoughts?  **** TRIGGER WARNING **** I think they are fine to use for a little reassurance before you can feel movement. However once we feel movement you have to go based off of that. Have read so many sad stories where people felt something was wrong late in pregnancy used doppler and all seemed fine and then the unthinkable to the next day. If you feel something is wrong late in pregnancy call your Dr or go to the l/d for monitoring.  The doppler isn't giving you any real information. That is my only warning for them. I am thankful people shared their stories about this cause I probably would of done the same.

[KK_8721]

Yup! I have my sonoline b from last time. It's too early to use it now, I'll try around 10 weeks. Yes it works and I liked it a lot. It was cool to have family hear the HBs at the holidays. I used it for a few weeks mostly before bed when I'd talk to the girls.

BUT... if you are gonna try it and spaz out if you can't find the HB right away.... don't use it. I had anterior placentas which made things easier. Even if I couldn't find the HB, I'd hear the whoosh whoosh of the placentas and know everything was ok.

I've heard of people not finding the HB and going to the ER or elective ultrasound places... if you're gonna be that person, I wouldn't buy or use it.

[Deleted]

Aug 7, 2015 10:32:56 GMT -5 KK_8721 said:

Yup! I have my sonoline b from last time. It's too early to use it now, I'll try around 10 weeks. Yes it works and I liked it a lot. It was cool to have family hear the HBs at the holidays. I used it for a few weeks mostly before bed when I'd talk to the girls.

BUT... if you are gonna try it and spaz out if you can't find the HB right away.... don't use it. I had anterior placentas which made things easier. Even if I couldn't find the HB, I'd hear the whoosh whoosh of the placentas and know everything was ok.

I've heard of people not finding the HB and going to the ER or elective ultrasound places... if you're gonna be that person, I wouldn't buy or use it.

That's a really cool idea. My mom would lose her shit with excitement.

[fignewt]

Aug 7, 2015 10:34:31 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Aug 7, 2015 10:32:56 GMT -5 KK_8721 said:

Yup! I have my sonoline b from last time. It's too early to use it now, I'll try around 10 weeks. Yes it works and I liked it a lot. It was cool to have family hear the HBs at the holidays. I used it for a few weeks mostly before bed when I'd talk to the girls.

BUT... if you are gonna try it and spaz out if you can't find the HB right away.... don't use it. I had anterior placentas which made things easier. Even if I couldn't find the HB, I'd hear the whoosh whoosh of the placentas and know everything was ok.

I've heard of people not finding the HB and going to the ER or elective ultrasound places... if you're gonna be that person, I wouldn't buy or use it.

That's a really cool idea. My mom would lose her shit with excitement.

I brought my mom to our 12-week ultrasound with DS2, she still talks about how amazing it was!

[sctiger]

Aug 7, 2015 10:34:31 GMT -5 @pugsandwine said:

Aug 7, 2015 10:32:56 GMT -5 KK_8721 said:

Yup! I have my sonoline b from last time. It's too early to use it now, I'll try around 10 weeks. Yes it works and I liked it a lot. It was cool to have family hear the HBs at the holidays. I used it for a few weeks mostly before bed when I'd talk to the girls.

BUT... if you are gonna try it and spaz out if you can't find the HB right away.... don't use it. I had anterior placentas which made things easier. Even if I couldn't find the HB, I'd hear the whoosh whoosh of the placentas and know everything was ok.

I've heard of people not finding the HB and going to the ER or elective ultrasound places... if you're gonna be that person, I wouldn't buy or use it.

That's a really cool idea. My mom would lose her shit with excitement.

I was about 16 weeks at Christmas last time and I let my mom listen to it. She thought it was the coolest thing ever!